From the Bottom - Page 2

In this “From the Bottom” episode, Paul Thompson digs into one of the most creative bass lines in pop music: Tears For Fears’ iconic “Head Over Heels” from the “Songs From the Big Chair” album (1985).

Is there a more “bassist photo” than this? Paul Thompson tells the story behind Art Kane’s "Harlem, 1958" pic you (probably) don't know about, and the four bassists in it.

All the time, we hear stories of how music today is nowhere near as good as in the “good old days.” If we pick an example of the best artist that proves this wrong, it would be either Vulfpeck or The Fearless Flyers. And if there’s a bassist who proves it wrong, then it’s the almighty Joe Dart.

1984 was a special year for music. In this episode, Paul Thompson dives into his top 10 favorite bass lines from that year, including the works of Abraham Laboriel, Tony Levin, Geddy Lee, Darryl Jones, Paul Denman, Cliff Burton, Benny Rietveld, Mark King, Nathan East, and Marcus Miller.

In this episode, I’m breaking down my favorite Tower of Power song: “Soul Vaccination” (1973). We’ll dive into how each member of the band (including the late, great Rocco Prestia) serves a function to create an iconic groove.

In this “From the Bottom” episode, Paul Thompson honors the late, great jazz bassist Charlie Haden on the 10th anniversary of his passing.

In this episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson is celebrating one of the greatest - yet unsung - bass players to ever do it: Dennis Belfield. Paul breaks down his top 5 Belfield bass lines.

Summer school is officially in session. So I’m handing out grades for five different takes on Prince’s “I Feel For You” from 1979-1984.

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most iconic sounds in music – the Music Man bass and the 10 greatest recorded bass lines that used it. From punk, to funk, to rock, to hip hop, to jazz, I’ll break down MY Top 10.

In this episode, I'm diving into my latest musical discovery - J-pop music - and one of its greatest bands, Zutomayo. I'll break down one of the most incredible bass lines I’ve heard recently from groove, to amazing fills, to the jaw-dropping bass solo 90 seconds in, on "Study Me."

It’s time to revisit the banned list! Here are 10 more bass lines guaranteed to get you kicked out of your next bass lesson! (All your favorites including Tool, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Primus, Symphony X, The Stranglers, RATM, Black Sabbath, and more.)

Paul Thompson breaks down Fatback’s “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” and the Work of Johnny “Flip” Flippen in this episode of “From the Bottom.”